(NewsNation) — A popular TikTok user has been charged in connection with the death of a Louisana therapist.
William Abraham, 69, was found wrapped on a tarp on the side of a highway in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, on Sunday. Police say he died from blunt force trauma to the head in what was described as a very violent death.
Abraham was a former Catholic priest who was a counselor, motivational speaker, artist and teacher. Jarrett Ambeau, a friend of Abraham’s, described him as a “gentle, sweet, giving soul.”
He said Abraham never mentioned that he was in any danger or had any fears about his safety prior to his death.
Police have charged Terryon Thomas, who goes by Mr Prada on the app where he has 4.3 million followers, with second-degree murder and obstruction of justice in connection with Abraham’s death. Thomas posts videos geared toward a Gen Z audience, with commentary on school and relationships.
In 2015, Ambeau served as Abraham’s attorney after the therapist was accused of inappropriately touching an 11-year-old boy during therapy. Ambeau told NewsNation’s Laura Ingle that Thomas was not the alleged victim in that case, which never went to trial, and had no other connections to the accusation.
Thomas, 20, was arrested in Dallas, Texas, on Tuesday after he was allegedly spotted driving a stolen car belonging to Abraham. He is currently awaiting extradition to Louisana.
Police said surveillance footage identified Thomas as the last person to be seen driving Abraham’s vehicle. When officers attempted a traffic stop, he allegedly resisted arrest, backed into a police car and fled.
After searching Thomas’ apartment, police allegedly found evidence of a physical altercation, significant amounts of blood and weapons. Witnesses also allegedly saw Thomas dragging an object wrapped in a blue tarp into the therapist’s car the day before the body was found.
Other surveillance footage showed Abraham arriving at the apartment complex, police said. They did not specify how the two may have known each other or whether Thomas was a client of Abraham’s.